What is live streaming exactly? (Definition & Examples) |

The live streaming (or livestreaming) has grown so widespread that 30% of web viewers watch live streams each week. You can watch or create live streams with a variety of various devices and apps, and it's much easier than before to get started.

In this post this post, we'll show you some of the fundamentals to be aware of concerning live streams.

• This article will provide a description of what live streaming is (including specific technical information).
  
• HTML0 - The presentation will include live streaming information and other the landmarks.
  
• The discussion will focus on the benefits of HTML0 and some examples that live streams could give.
  
• We'll also show you items you'll require to create your own live stream.
  

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What exactly is live streaming?

Quick live streaming definition

Live streaming refers to the process of showing viewers live video streaming in real time. In the past, it only available to media companies with the capability to broadcast live videos to their viewers.

In the past couple of years, live streaming technology has exploded onto the web, increasing the amount of people who are creating and streaming live at home, without the requirement of a television studio.

What is live streaming... technologically

Encoding
    Technically, your camera outputs raw digital pictures. However, they are too big for streaming effectively. So an encoder (software or hardware) decreases the size of the video in real-time before converting it to codecs (ie. h.264). This makes the files small enough to stream and ensures that all devices are able to understand them.

Compression
    The video is split into what's known as I-frames and P-frames and B-frames. I-frames are a lot as a typical JPEG image. They include a full frame with all the particulars.

P-frames and B frames operate in a different way. They simply capture part of the video which changes through tracking motion vectors. It results in a smaller files, easier to compress, and more efficient to playback. When you watch a YouTube video in which the subject is talking to something static most of the background's pixels will not alter.

• P-frames (Predictive frames) only need to encode the variations and movements within the body of the face of the speaker as well as body movements through looking at previous frames.
  
• B-frames also work better, since they are able to refer back to previous and subsequent frames in order to produce an entire image.
  

Internet speed
    Live streaming, naturally, needs a steady stream of data. This is known by the term "bit rate. It is the amount of information your device is able to stream every second.

• HD720 (HD) video requires between 4 and 4.5 percent of the Mbps
  
• 1080p needs 4 to 6 Internet connections with a speed of 4 to 6 Mbps
  
• 4k requires 15-25 Mbps
  

If you are doing live streams the upload speed has to be in line with the stream's information. transmits.

Video players do not have the same speed. The quality of the video player is reduced if connections are slow or buffer (downloading up to 3 seconds earlier) in order to make the video stream smooth. In addition, we use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)--this copies your file in real time to a server that's nearer to your viewers, as it demands information to travel longer distances.

Latency

No video is truly live. The average is two seconds of delay. This is known as latency.

Statisticians streaming live Statisticians streaming live

• 30% of Internet viewers view live streams each week.
  
• The most popular live streamed content include breaking news (34 percent) as well as live sports (29 percent).
  
• 91.7 percent of all Internet users across the globe watch live streams throughout the month.
  
• 50 percent of TikTok customers would like to watch live streaming.
  
• Smart TVs are the most popular spot to stream live streaming video (35.3% of all streaming content).
  
• 28 A majority of online videos streamed live online are streamed live.
  
• The longest live stream ever recorded took more than 624 hours and was provided by Zhejiang Luyuan Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. in China.
  
• The world record for live streaming with the highest number of viewers is held by Spanish streaming service Ibai, with 3.44 million streamers on Twitch during the channel's La Velada del Ano (3).
  

Live streaming is the first stage to allow it (Timeline)

The list isn't exhaustive in this article, but here's an overview timeline of technological developments that make live streaming possible.

In the 90s, technology permitted "packets" composed of files to be streamed and rendered prior to downloading the full version.
    1993 to 1993: The MPEG-1 standard for compression is released that allows for practical streaming of video
    1995 1996 Starlight, a company Starlight invented the first streaming video system using satellites.
     1995 - First internet radio: Radio HK.
    1995 1995 RealPlayer launches, becoming the first stream media player. Later, it was included as an option on Windows 98 installation.
    1996 1997: 1996: The Real-time Transportation Protocol is created, creating an infrastructure for transmitting video and audio across networks.
    1998- Starlight announced the first web conference products.
    1999 - Victoria's secret fashion show is one of the first live streamed events with an estimated 1.5 million people watching.
     2002 - Flash Player adds video capabilities, making embeddable videos possible.
    2007 - The launch of Justin.tv (later changed to Twitch) which featured Justin Kan and cameras all day. The site was later extended to multiple channels, making it possible for people to stream.
    2009 - Both Ustream as well as Live stream were launched
    2011 2012 YouTube is adding live streaming on its platform. It had launched in 2005 (fun information: the very first video was entitled "Me at the Zoo). Facebook introduced live streaming in the year 2015, Periscope in 2015, and Instagram in 2016.

Live streaming has many benefits.

Live Streaming is one method to deliver power.

• Super-interactive viewers are not able to only watch in real time However, they are also able to speak, ask questions, and give feedback in a variety of ways.
  
• Incomplete: Unlike edited video, which content creators may consider themselves obligated to improve, live streaming can't really do this (at least not yet). Live streams feel natural, and can be more entertaining.
  
• The time is less consuming The preparation and set-up for live streams However, they're usually much less labor-intensive than creating the video you want to make. The process could include writing, re-shooting or editing, etc.
  
• The costs of production are less : Often it's easier to begin and then launching.
  
• Recycling It's possible that you could cut and modify the live stream to suit various formats and functions after the event, and also creating a recorded version from it.
  
• The urgency of live streaming can feel a bit more pressing. While it's likely that people post a video after an event, being able to watch live feels really special and boosts the amount of viewers who are able to.
  

What are you required to do in order to live stream?

It's a great overview in this video for those who are just beginning to learn about Live streaming!

In other words, this is an overview of live streaming options for creators. .

To live stream, you need:

1. AV source

The best part regarding live streaming today is that it doesn't need any extravagant devices. The majority of modern phones include all the required capabilities to handle live streams.

Here are a few options to choose a video:

• Videos on smartphones Most smartphones are capable of producing at minimum HD video, and some modern models shoot in 4k. Be aware that the cameras at the back and front may differ in resolution. Both are probably appropriate for live streaming. This is the easiest method to stream from your smartphone.
  
• Webcam: Some computer streamers choose to use either the webcam built into their laptop or computer, or an external webcam. This could be used to stream live on computers or laptops.
  
• Professional camera: More established streamers generally use professional cameras like DSLRs to stream live. These can be tethered to your laptop or phone and provide a superior quality video as well as permitting you to select the best lens for your look and style.
  

Also, you'll need a sound system! Below are some recommendations:

• Microphone built into your laptop or telephone (not suggested) Phone and microphones on computers can be not safe to be near your mouth when you are streaming live and generally have sound recorders that are not of high-quality. You should pick from the choices below.
  
• The Bluetooth and wired headphones bring the microphone closer to your mouth, enhancing the sound quality while reducing background noise. The headset you choose to use is typically an upgrade over the device's built-in microphone.
  
• Lapel microphone Lapel microphones can be clipped onto the collar of the shirt. The microphone will listen for sound close to your mouth, resulting in better sound quality. They are wired, as well as wireless. Some better quality microphones come with characteristics like noise cancellation.
  
• shotgun microphone The shotgun microphone is a distance from you (often it clips onto the upper part of the camera) and pics up an audio direction from the voice.
  
• Condenser microphone for desktop use  The majority of streamers are using Condenser microphones on desktops like Blue Yeti. Blue Yeti, which plugs directly into your computer, records audio directly out of the mouths of the user.
  

Here are some additional tips for stream live which will help you improve your performance.

2. Software for streaming (optional)

The use of streaming software is not required since you can live stream on popular platforms. However, streaming software could be beneficial for those looking to:

• for sharing images on a computer screen. It can be an element of a slideshow or for games.
  
• In order to utilize several cameras (ie. different angles).
  
• As overlays for images, chat boxes, logos or even cards.
  
• Mixing different audio sources (e.g. music).
  
• In order to stream across multiple platforms at the same time (e.g. YouTube + Facebook plus LinkedIn). ).
  

As an example we discussed the platform StreamYardin our post about Zoom Alternatives. It's a fantastic tool for all these things.

3. A platform for live streaming

It's really simple. It is necessary to have the ability to stream on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

Try it! Mighty lets you stream live on your smartphone or Mighty application. Or, you can even develop an application which you could brand and live stream from. It is possible to make money through charging users for streaming or perhaps make a subscription with streaming built into.

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Live streaming benefits to businesses

If you are a manager of a business and want to grow and expand, you need to understand the potential that live streaming will bring to your business. The live stream may not appear as professional or polished as the promo video that you created, but live streaming has its own uniqueness.

As we said earlier, live streaming provides a sense of trust between your viewers and you that is authentic and unscripted, which is a huge advantage for your business. Additionally, live streaming offers the potential to be really interesting and surprising (in the best manner). ).

Here are a few additional benefits to streaming live for business:

• Event organizers can hold events with no requirement to have a space or a location: Live streaming lets businesses host online meetings and events, without having to gather everyone in one city.
  
• Create educational opportunities: Live streams could be an opportunity to provide the value of providing instruction! Live streams are often used by companies (especially when they take the form of webinars) in order to inform their customers as well as increase branding recognition.
  
• The audience can stream live from wherever anyone around the globe can watch the live stream using an internet connection and device. Your audience is brought closer, and it makes it much easier to get them involved.
  
• Make money from tickets and other sales Event planners may create premium digital services like live streaming as sources of revenue. This can be done by either selling tickets or by gating the event.
  

Do not just make use of your live stream for marketing. Give your customers worth and provide them with knowledge that will inspire, motivate them and keep your customers involved. Live streaming is the only method to ensure that live streaming is effective for your organization.

Live streaming is our favorite so that's the reason we've included live streaming options to all of our plans.

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Live streaming demonstrations

There are a myriad of large, historical live streams. They include:

• Michael Jackson's memorial service was among the live streams that were watched by the most people during its time (2009).
  
• The year 2012 marked the final year that NASA live streamed the Mars Curiosity landing. It is still possible to watch NASA live streamings on space.
  
• The year 2014 saw a surge in gamers on Twitch played Pokemon alongside commands received from the chat. The number of players was reported to be 1.16 million players played while 55 million people watched.
  

They're awesome! Live streaming has the power to connect people. We also host live streams of our very exclusive: People Magic Summit, featuring the most influential community leaders and creators (this occasion featured celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Nathan Barry, as well as Amanda Goetz). Replay sessions can be viewed here!

Here are a few other examples of how a live stream can look like

• The Mighty Network host announces a daily challenge through a live stream every Monday.
  
• A musician goes live on IGTV or TikTok and performs the audience to a small-scale concert.
  
• A gamer is one who is a Roblox player along with Fortnight, and streams to viewers.
  
• The school offers a live class that is taught via a live streaming.
  
• The thought leader talks with one of their followers via LinkedIn live on the coming book.
  

You can now read: 11 of the Most Effective Community Engagement Strategies

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